Metamorphic steps were first made in the mid 18th Century, introducing a practical piece of furniture to the libraries of the wealthy which enabled the top shelves of towering bookcases to be easily reached.
The idea seems to have originated in France where several talented German-born cabinet makers were working at the French Court.
They were creating superb pieces of furniture; amongst them these ‘surprise’ pieces which became enormously popular.
When London cabinet makers also began to make them, they based their designs on those of the French makers.
This piece has a shaped back and hinged seat.
